Malaria and Travel Health Tips for Kenya 2026
Planning a Kenya safari with us? Before you get lost in packing lists and lens choices, let’s talk about the…
Destination guide
Kenya coast and beaches: the complete guide
Kenya's Indian Ocean coast stretches for around 500 km of white sand, coral reef and palm-fringed bays. Diani on the south coast, Mombasa in the middle and Watamu on the north coast offer different moods, from lively resorts to quiet fishing villages. Swahili ruins, mangrove creeks and coastal forests add depth beyond the beach.
Here is how to choose a beach and when to go.
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01
Choosing a beach
Diani Beach
Long white beach on the south coast, lively and well served by hotels and restaurants.
Mombasa
Historic city with Fort Jesus, plus resort beaches at Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu.
Watamu
A smaller, quieter town on the north coast with marine park, turtles and forest.
02
Best time to visit
December to March
Great
Hot and mostly dry, calm sea.
July to October
Great
Cooler, breezy, clear water.
April to June
Green/Wet
Long rains and lower rates.
November
Good
Short rains.
03
Safari and beach
The coast is the natural end to a safari in the Maasai Mara, Amboseli or Tsavo East. See Diani, Mombasa and Watamu for details.
04
Frequently asked questions
Which Kenyan beach is best?
Diani for long sand and variety, Watamu for snorkelling and quiet.
How long should I stay?
Four to five nights after a safari.
Destinations in Kenya Coast & Beaches
Arabuko Sokoke ForestThe largest remaining coastal forest in East Africa, close to Watamu, with rare birds, butterflies and small mammals.
Diani BeachKenya’s best-known beach, with powder-white sand, calm water and snorkelling, diving and kite surfing nearby.
MombasaBeaches north and south of Mombasa, with Fort Jesus, Old Town and easy flights or the train from Nairobi.
WatamuQuiet beaches, coral reef and marine park near Malindi, popular for snorkelling and turtle conservation.Read before you go